Top 6 AR and VR Technology Challenges and their Solutions
Businesses have begun to deploy Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies on a larger scale as they gain traction around the world. These technologies have now been shown to be beneficial in a variety of industries, including IT and technology, aviation, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, education and training, to name a few.
VR is no longer just a sci-fi concept or a gaming hardware strategy. According to Global Data, the virtual reality (VR) market was valued at $ 6.9 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.1% between 2021 and 2030. On the other hand, augmented reality (AR) is perhaps the most popular form of immersive technology today, with numerous companies investing in AR apps and experiences daily. According to the most recent reports from industry analysts such as Global Newswire, the augmented reality market is thriving and growing faster than almost any other disruptive technology. The AR industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 41.5% up to the year 2030, reaching a value of around $461.25 billion.
Despite the significant hype and investment surrounding these technologies, unprecedented challenges cause technology’s stifled growth. Let’s look at some of the major challenges and solutions associated with augmented and virtual reality technologies.
1 • High Expenses related to Novel Technology Development
The upfront cost of 3D content creation is undoubtedly the most significant hurdle for corporate adoption of AR/VR development services. The cost of hiring developers with knowledge and expertise is the most important factor in the development equation. There are also other development factors that aren’t directly related to immersive technology. For example, if you want usage, performance, and compliance data to automatically upload to the cloud, where you can view it from an organized dashboard, you’ll need IT, data, and software engineers to build all the necessary infrastructure and integrate it with the appropriate tools.
Then there’s the cost of capturing real-world objects and converting them into 3D models. For example, if you’re creating an app to teach employees how to use a piece of equipment, you’ll need a detailed, animated model of that machine that accurately reflects what it’s like to interact with it in real life. It requires more time to process and create dimensionally accurate 3D models and environments that can be quickly experienced in VR and compatible devices like Oculus.
From a consumer standpoint, AR and VR are still relatively new technologies that are restricted to early adopters, tech enthusiasts, and game addicts. Part of this trend can be attributed to the high cost of AR/VR devices. Currently, the average consumer does not see the value in purchasing one. Even the most basic VR headsets cost more than the typical smartphone accessory.
When you want people to adapt, you make them experience the good that comes with the price of the product. People have already seen the benefits of AR/VR technology through live examples such as Lenskart, Caratlane, Makaan, Housing.com, SmartVizX, and many more. As a result, things are gradually changing, and people are noticing the changes and even wanting to be a part of the XR revolution. Furthermore, as high-precision technologies like camera modules and projection systems advance and become more common, costs will be easily recovered. It’s just a matter of time.
2 • Hardware Dependency and Device Challenges
Unfortunately, most of the experiences created with AR/VR technology are hardware dependent. For example, to perceive VR experiences, devices such as Oculus/ HTC Vive are required. The field of view (FOV) of a mere 90-degree is one of the most significant limitations of AR/VR devices. To create immersive experiences, they must aim for a 190-degree horizontal and 120-degree vertical FOV, like that of a normal human eye. As a result, the headsets will be bulky and uncomfortable to wear.
As research in this area continues, many specifications must be met to overcome the limitations of AR/VR devices, such as weight, brightness, display quality, FOV, latency, and, finally, user experience. Leading companies will overcome these obstacles and produce great devices at affordable prices in the coming years.
3 • Limitations of Current Consumer Electronics
Consumers are getting a taste of augmented and virtual worlds on their smartphones, tablets, and other devices, thanks to the rise of 360-degree video and AR games like Pokémon Go. However, these devices fall short of the depth of understanding and full potential of AR/VR experiences. In addition to FOV issues, many consumer devices with AR/VR features on the market today have display and power consumption issues. They are not specifically designed for augmented and virtual reality experiences, but rather serve as a gateway to introduce the public to these technological advances.
4 • Challenges of Aesthetics, Comfort, and Miniaturization
Current VR/AR hardware offerings have several usability issues like bulky and uncomfortable headsets that are too heavy for young kids or for prolonged use. There is also a trade-off between processing power and mobility. In the case of VR, most devices on the market today are tethered, which means that the headset must be connected to a PC or console, limiting the user’s movements. According to reviews, comforts must be suitable in terms of warmth, texture, shape, tightness, and weight. The user’s natural mobility shouldn’t be hampered by the equipment. Also, everyone wants to use a fully functional augmented reality headset that is the size of a regular pair of eyeglasses. However, imparting such an immersive experience in such a small device requires much time and effort as it must infuse technologies like field view, computer vision, batteries, and others.
5 • Mobile Connectivity Issues
Another obstacle to the development of AR/VR technology is the infrastructure that supports it, such as mobile connectivity. More bandwidth, less latency, and support for more connected devices can all be enjoyed with 5G’s advancements. The 5G mobile AR/VR experience will be more stable in terms of augmented and virtual reality. We will have more and higher-quality material available thanks to the benefits of 5G. The application and utilization of AR and VR will increase with the availability of infrastructure benefits.
6 • Quality and Quantity of Content
End users have predefined expectations when it comes to AR/VR technology. As a result, presenting a low-quality app may fall short of expectations. Because XR content is expensive due to hardware dependency, the amount of content produced is very limited and insufficient to attract relevant stakeholders and create massive FOMO. Engaging users during the development and implementation phases is the most effective way to address this issue. As a result, the solution can be tweaked to provide the information and experience that end users want.
3D modeling can be an expensive endeavor because it frequently requires an array of software and some serious talent to pull it all together. Then, once your lovely vision is realized, it may have little re-use. Several applications are attempting to lower the entry barrier for 3D modeling by creating 3D objects within VR. Make VR Pro and Google’s Blocks are the most basic of these new-wave tools.
Final Thoughts
Augmented and virtual reality experiences have the potential to transform how we interact with machines, games, and entertainment programs. However, significant innovation and transformation are required in the AR/VR space. Challenges drive innovation, and these challenges in the field of AR/VR adoption will spur innovation in the development of more advanced, compact, and aesthetically pleasing devices. Furthermore, the use of AR/VR technologies in mobile app and web development would accelerate significantly.
Our robust and innovative AR/VR app development services overcome many of the challenges of content creation, as our mission is to empower enterprises to effectively leverage immersive technology to obtain a tangible ROI.
If you want to use these technologies to provide your customers with a futuristic brand experience, you can contact us, to incorporate AR/VR technology into your app or website to provide an unforgettable immersive experience.
